Weekly Groups

We currently offer a hybrid program.  Some groups will be offered in person and some offered via Telehealth.  Please see the current program on our home page for details.

Please see the policies and procedures below that the Aphasia Resource Center is implementing to reduce the spread and impact of COVID-19 outbreak conditions on staff, clients and the general public. 

  • Client and visitor arrival and check in  
    • All persons entering Sargent College must wear a face covering at all times in the building. Cloth face coverings are allowable so long as they accurately cover the nose, mouth, and chin. Surgical masks will be provided to all patients and visitors to the ARC who do not arrive with a face covering. 
  • Upon entering the classroom, all persons must answer “no” to the following questions:  
    • Have you experienced any COVID-19 symptoms in the past 14 days?  
    • Have you tested positive for COVID-19 in the past 14 days?  
    • Have you knowingly been exposed to COVID-19 in the past 10 days?  
  • Distancing and physical Space 
    • In person group maximums will be limited to 10 clients. 
    • Any piece of equipment including tables and chairs will be thoroughly wiped down before and after use in the classroom with disinfectant.  
    • All staff and clients will be immediately informed via email regarding any alterations to in-person hours/groups as a result of COVID-19 or any other circumstances.  
  • Vaccination Status 
    • Boston University requires all faculty, staff and students to be fully vaccinated and boosted.  

Please do not hesitate to reach out to any of us if you have questions and concerns:  aphasiacenter@bu.edu, (617) 353-0197.

Thank you for your patience and cooperation.

 

Join us in an aphasia-friendly environment to practice conversation, watch and discuss films, improve writing skills, or learn the basics of computers. Sample descriptions of our weekly groups are provided below. 


Weekly Groups

Please see the home page for our current program.  

To join a group, each participant must provide the Center with emergency contact and medical information. Please download all of the following:

Please consider supporting the Center with a charitable gift. Your gift of $1,000, $250, $100 or whatever amount you choose will directly support the Center and the programs we all enjoy and value so much.

You can  make a gift online or via check. Check donations can be made payable to Trustees of Boston University/Aphasia Resource Center (ARC) and sent to:

Kristina Lentz Capano
Boston University Sargent College
635 Commonwealth Avenue, Room 221
Boston, MA 02215

Group Descriptions

Aphasia Community Chorus

Music, an essential form of communication, is especially rewarding, inspiring, and empowering for people with aphasia and related disorders. Facilitated by a neurologic music therapist from MedRhythms, LLC, and graduate students, the Aphasia Community Chorus will hold weekly rehearsals leading up to performances during the semester. Previous singing experience is not required. Please join us for this unique and exciting opportunity.

Book Club

This group meets to discuss the content and ideas generated through reading a text. The “book” is ~300 pages in length, and is chosen by the group members from a choice of 4-5 offered texts. Group members may read the text from print or via CD.

Community Connection

This group uses structured activities to focus conversation around central themes, ending with a community visit. In each session, we work progressively through the chosen theme, allowing group members to build vocabulary and increase their communication effectiveness. In the final week, the group visits a local destination that exemplifies the theme.  Our aim is to keep each session interesting and meaningful, having fun while we share ideas and experiences.

Computer Group

We teach basic computer skills in an aphasia-friendly environment. Group members learn to navigate the Internet, communicate with others by email, and use other computer programs of their choosing. The group focuses on increasing communication among group members and improving discrete forms of language such as reading, typing, and following auditory instructions.

Conversation Group

This group will address functional communication through talking, gesturing, drawing, and writing. Drawing upon our experiences and interests, participants will practice using effective strategies to exchange ideas and develop connections through communication.

Film Group

This group will feature both classic and contemporary films. Each will be screened over two or three sessions, followed by group discussion of the plot, characters, relationships, and other aspects of the film. Even if you’ve seen these films before, another look will give you an opportunity to discover new things.

Function and Fitness Group

Our goal: enhancing walking ability, balance, and daily mobility. The skills learned in this group will help improve an individual’s ability to engage in community activities. Participants should be able to walk independently in the household AND at least two blocks in the community (with or without a cane or brace).

Games Group

This group will focus on different aspects of language (naming, discourse, gestures, reading and writing) through involvement in different types of age-appropriate games. Games will be chosen on a weekly basis by group consensus to facilitate group members’ communication goals. Group members will also be encouraged to suggest and teach favorite games.

Intro to Journaling Group

This group will introduce participants to journaling as a tool for reflection and communication.  Group members may choose to express themselves through any combination of writing, drawing, photography, voice and video. Group members may also use an iPad for storing their journal and support for iPad use will be integrated into weekly sessions.

“In the News” Group

Many of us enjoy reading or watching the news. In this group, we will practice sharing thoughts and ideas as we discuss current events taking place around the world. We will read and/or watch news articles and discuss these current events. Participants should understand spoken or written language at a paragraph level.

iPad Basics Group

This group will begin with an overview of using the iPad and explore ways in which the iPad can be used as augmentative and alternative communication (AAC). Group members will use various apps to support their communication with others (e.g. Maps, Camera/Photos, Skype/FaceTime, Safari, Calendar, etc). The group will also review the iPad’s accessibility features (e.g. text to speech). Owning an iPad is not required for participation. However, please indicate on the application form if you have an iPad. This group is designed for people who are relatively new to the iPad.

Newsletter Group

Many people with aphasia struggle with writing. This group focuses on the fundamentals of simple sentences, working toward more complex narratives. By the end of the semester, the group produces a newsletter, The Aphasia Times, on behalf of the Aphasia Community Resource Center. Members are encouraged to work in teams on specific tasks designed to meet their individual writing goals.

Toastmasters

This group will focus on communicating fluently and concisely when you are speaking in stressful situations such as when you meet new people, are speaking to a large group, or are using the telephone. This group is modeled after the Toastmasters Club, whose philosophy is to learn by doing in a supportive environment. Group members will have the chance to give both prepared and impromptu speeches, and to give feedback to other group members. We will incorporate specific strategies to increase your comfort and skill in speaking in these environments.

Total Communication

This group will incorporate conversational, writing, gestural activities, and other forms of verbal and non-verbal communication. The emphasis will be on effective communication through any means. This group is designed for people with more severe forms of aphasia.

Writing Group

In this group, participants work on the fundamentals of writing and spelling at a single word level, progressing to simple sentences. Tasks focus on functional language to help with daily challenges such as list-making, Internet searches, and email.